Buffalo Plus: A Buffalo Bills Podcast

Episode: "You ASK We ANSWER: McDermott DECISIONS and Getting Ready for Dolphins"

Host: Mike Catalana
Date: September 10, 2024

Episode Overview

In this solo-hosted Q&A episode, Mike Catalana of Buffalo Plus takes listener questions following the Buffalo Bills’ close home win over the Arizona Cardinals. He dives into Sean McDermott’s late-game decision-making, notable performances (both surprising and disappointing), and provides a preview of the coming matchup against the Miami Dolphins. The episode showcases Catalana’s balanced analysis and behind-the-scenes insights, reflecting on coaching philosophy, player performance, and game preparation as the team heads into a crucial AFC East contest.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Sean McDermott's Fourth-Down Decision

[00:55]

• Listener Question (Tommy Dahapolski): Should McDermott have gone for it on fourth down late in the game?
• Catalana’s Take: Normally would trust Josh Allen in these situations, but recognizes the complexity in deciding between aggressiveness and playing it safe when nursing a three-point lead.
  • “In a regular circumstance like that, I’m taking my chance with Josh Allen, but I don’t always think it is so cut and dry that it has to be that way.” – Mike Catalana [01:23]
• Factors considered:
  • It was more than a “fourth and three” (about three and a half yards).
  • Josh Allen was banged up (wrist on non-throwing hand) but didn’t appear hampered.
  • Kicking the field goal put them up six (not a full touchdown advantage, nor a two-score game).
• Catalana’s Verdict:
  • Favored going for it with Allen but understands McDermott’s defensive trust mindset.
  • Field goal didn’t “do enough” for him; recognizes risk of leaving the door open for a game-winning opponent touchdown.
  • “This is how McDermott gets labeled as not aggressive enough. I’m going to say I’m siding with you.” [06:14]
  • Ultimately, McDermott’s defense bailed him out, but Catalana gently advocates for more boldness.

2. Biggest Surprise and Disappointment from the Cardinals Game

[09:16]

• Listener Question (Miguel C.): What stood out most (good and bad)?
• Biggest Surprise: Cam Lewis stepping up with Taron Johnson out.
  • “Honestly, I think was the play of Cam Lewis...he surprised me because Taron is just out there all the time.” [09:48]
  • Notes that Lewis acquitted himself well despite early coverage issues, reaffirming the value of depth.
• Biggest Disappointment: Lack of involvement for Dalton Kincaid and Curtis Samuel.
  • Opposing defense rolled coverage toward Kincaid.
  • Curtis Samuel had minimal snaps and no significant contribution; Catalana wants to see him integrated, possibly even in the running game versus Miami.
  • “But I don’t think you brought Curtis Samuel in to get...His snaps were in the teens...really had no place in the offense.” [12:06]

3. The Tyler Bass Discourse

[13:14]

• Listener Question (Hollywood Paladin): Is the criticism of Tyler Bass justified?
• Catalana pushes back against the notion of “hate” for Bass, contextualizing fan/media scrutiny:
  • “Why, if you criticize anybody, is it hate? I don’t hate Tyler Bass. I want to see Tyler Bass kick well...” [13:28]
  • Acknowledges legitimate practice concerns but credits Bass for making all his kicks against Arizona.
  • Suggests criticism comes from caring about his performance, not animosity.

4. Greg Rousseau’s Role and Pass-Rush Hopes

[15:57]

• Listener Question (Ralph Wilson Sr.): Observations about Rousseau at right DE and prospects vs. Miami?
  • Rousseau played on Tua’s blind side, had a huge opener with three sacks.
  • “I think you move him around...because he is by far your number one pass rusher. And they’re going to need pass rush.” [17:02]
  • Doubts Rousseau is at the Bruce Smith or Von Miller level, but thinks he could command OCs' full attention if progress continues.

5. Can Buffalo’s Defense Slow the Dolphins?

[18:26]

• Listener Question (Jessica Alba 8335): How can the Bills stop Miami if Arizona (a bottom-five offense) gave them trouble?
  • Catalana cautions against drawing direct correlations between games.
  • Cites in-game defensive adjustments vs. Arizona; expects the Bills’ defensive familiarity and historical success against Miami’s speed (Tyreek Hill, Waddle) to help.
  • “Things don’t travel week to week…Miami’s a totally different team. And the Bills have done a good job against the Miami Dolphins and that speed.” [18:59]

6. Game-Planning Ahead for Miami

[20:13]

• Listener Question (K Glizzy): Were Bills coaches prepping for Miami while facing Arizona?
  • Coaches multi-tasked, developing preliminary Miami plans while prepping for both games, but players focused solely on Cardinals.
  • “Absolutely, I believe there was time the coaches were starting to put things together...But it was the first game of the year and they’re really game planning for the Cardinals, you know, all through training camp.” [20:38]
  • Because of familiarity, defensive players and staff carry “general plans” for Miami year-to-year.

7. Process and Preparation Logistics

• Catalana discusses the travel schedule as the team heads to Miami midweek.
• Teases live shows from Dolphins’ stadium pregame and continued postgame analysis.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On McDermott’s reputation:
  “This is how McDermott gets labeled as not aggressive enough...” – Mike Catalana [06:14]

• On Cam Lewis’s emergence:
  “Depth is a great thing until you have to use it. Well, if you do have depth, it’s good that it’s a guy who has been around...” [10:21]

• On the Tyler Bass narrative:
  “Why, if you criticize anybody, is it hate? I don’t hate Tyler Bass. I want to see Tyler Bass kick well...” [13:28]

• On defensive changes week-to-week:
  “Things don’t travel week to week…that’s not the way it usually works in this league.” [18:59]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Opening and Theme Setup – [00:01]
• Fourth Down Decision/McDermott Analysis – [00:55] – [08:43]
• Surprises/Disappointments (Cam Lewis, Kincaid, Samuel) – [09:16] – [12:50]
• Tyler Bass Discussion – [13:14] – [15:30]
• Greg Rousseau’s Pass Rush Role – [15:57] – [18:12]
• Dolphins Preview: Can Buffalo’s D Hang? – [18:26] – [19:55]
• Game-Planning Overlap (CARDINALS/DOLPHINS) – [20:13] – [21:10]
• Podcast Availability & Closing – [21:11] – [21:51]

Final Thoughts

This episode delivers in-depth, candid insight into the Bills’ nuanced post-game decisions, player performances, and the coaching staff’s thought process as Buffalo pivots toward a challenging divisional game in Miami. Mike Catalana’s expertise provides context that goes beyond surface-level analysis, helping fans understand both the reasoning behind coaching calls and the dynamics within the team as they prepare for a critical matchup.